The need for donated blood is more critical than ever, due to the weather-related cancellation of numerous blood drives this winter.

Everyone knows that blood donations are critical for saving lives and supporting critical surgeries for people in the community, but since Jan. 1, 2015, nearly 350 Red Cross blood drives in two dozen states were canceled because of inclement weather, resulting in more than 11,500 uncollected blood and platelet donations.

West Hartford Town Hall, at 50 South Main St., is hosting three upcoming blood drives to help make up the shortfall. The drives will be held on Monday, Feb. 23; Monday, March 23; and Monday, April 20.

Each of these blood drives will be held from 1 to 6:15 p.m.

To schedule an appointment to help save lives this winter, visit RedCrossblood.org and enter sponsor code WHTH or call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767).

Parking will be validated.